The incident occurred after a customer refused requests to wear a mask while shopping in the store.
The Parker Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a woman they say slapped a King Soopers employee earlier this month.
According to a notice posted on the department’s website, a King Soopers employee repeatedly asked the suspect to put a mask on while shopping inside the King Soopers at 17761 Cottonwood Drive in Parker. The suspect, identified as a regular customer by store employees, refused to wear a mask despite multiple requests.
Parker Police Department posted a video of the incident on its Facebook page. The video shows a female customer viewing items on a shelf and then adding items to a cart. She then turns and appears to say something to someone outside of the frame of the video before pushing her cart further down the aisle.
The suspect then turns again to face what appears to be a store employee approaching her. The suspect then walks toward the employee, saying something and pointing at the employee. As she nears the employee, she appears to slap her face and then quickly exits the aisle. The suspect then fled the store.
Local news accounts indicate the suspect claimed she had a medical condition that prevents her from wearing a mask. King Soopers parent company Kroger posted a customer mask policy on its website that requires all customers in all locations to wear a mask when shopping in its stores beginning July 22, 2020. The company said it recognizes that some customers may not be able to wear a mask for medical reasons, but asks them to use an alternative option like a face shield or facial covering, or use the company’s e-commerce options like pickup or delivery. Fees for e-commerce services have been waived throughout the pandemic.
The incident, which Parker Police called a potential assault case, occurred the evening of February 3.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the incident is asked to contact the Parker Police Department.
